News

Martinez: Ghisletta named interim police chief

By Dana GuzzettiCorrespondent

Posted:
08/22/2014 07:58:06 AM PDT

Updated:
08/22/2014 07:58:29 AM PDT

MARTINEZ -- After months of public comments and conjecture, the Martinez City Council unanimously voted to make former Capt. Eric Ghisletta as Interim Police Chief following a special closed meeting Thursday.¿

The city staff was also instructed to negotiate a contract with Ghisletta for council approval at the Sept. 3 council meeting, and draw up an amendment to the city code altering the relationship between the council and the chief of police.

Beginning with Ghisletta, all future police chiefs will report to the city manager instead of reporting to the City Council, provided the council gives its final approval of the staff's draft of the code change.

The vote was partially prompted by Interim City Manager Jim Jakel's recommendation.

"I have previous experience in hiring and evaluating police chiefs," Jakel said. "Based on the needs of the city and Police Department, coupled with Capt. Ghisletta's performance and background input I have received, I believe the council should designate him as the interim chief."

Ghisletta has served as acting chief since former Police Chief Gary Peterson left in February.

After the vote Ghisletta said, "I did not know it was coming, but I wasn't surprised. I am excited at the opportunity to continue to strengthen our relationship with the community and provide quality police services."

Jakel pointed out that the decision would allow Ghisletta to implement changes in the department that would enhance law enforcement capabilities, and still allow the new city manager, when hired, to make the final recommendation for police chief.